Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

Great reminder! Thanks!

Fabulous

Where are you going to donate a $100,000 ?

Why is it that liberals only apply biblical principles to the tax code and demand full separation as to every other government matter?

GrowlTowel said:

---

Why is it that liberals only apply biblical principles to the tax code and demand full separation as to every other government matter?

---

Because they want to look magnanimous while having no skin in the game.

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

We need to see where in Scripture people were obligated (read "forced," as through taxation) to do these things. Ready, set, GO!

canoso said:

---

GrowlTowel said:

---

Why is it that liberals only apply biblical principles to the tax code and demand full separation as to every other government matter?

---

Because they want to look magnanimous while having no skin in the game.

---

Exactly

Talk is cheap.

canoso said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
107 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money. 8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need. 9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty. 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do.
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

We need to see where in Scripture people were obligated (read "forced," as through taxation) to do these things. Ready, set, GO!

---

The Deut passage is from the mouth of God. It is a commandment by God, which is "forcing" you unless you don't believe in God's commandment, then take it up with God. Deut. 15: 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. Taxation, or paying out of your pocket, does not matter. Give to the poor by taxation, or your local food pantry, or Habitat for Humanity. God does not care.
It's a silly canard always brought up by Conservative Christians. God says give to the poor whether personally or through taxation. It is simple: "Give to the poor happily."

The only sustainable economic system in the long run is voluntary socialism.

Key word voluntary.

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

Serious question, was the lord speaking to individuals or governments?

LIB,MR BEARS said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

Serious question, was the lord speaking to individuals or governments?

---

Excellent question. God was giving commands to the community and its leaders as they took possession of the land. The leaders were charged with enforcing these commands. These leaders were a form of government.
Deutoronomy 1: 9-18

9 At that same time, I told you: I can't handle all of you by myself. 10 The Lord your God has multiplied your numberyou are now as countless as the stars in the sky. 11 May the Lord, your ancestors' God, continue to multiply youa thousand times more! And may God bless you, just as he promised. 12 But how can I handle all your troubles, burdens, and disputes by myself? 13 Now, for each of your tribes, choose wise, discerning, and well-regarded individuals. I will appoint them as your leaders.
14 You answered me: "What you have proposed is a good idea."
15 So I took leading individuals from your tribes, people who were wise and well-regarded, and I set them up as your leaders. There were commanders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, as well as officials for each of your tribes.
16 At that same time, I commanded your judges: Listen to your fellow tribe members and judge fairly, whether the dispute is between one fellow tribe member or between a tribe member and an immigrant. 17 Don't show favoritism in a decision. Hear both sides out, whether the person is important or not. Don't be afraid of anyone because the ruling belongs to God. Any dispute that is too difficult for you to decide, bring to me and I will take care of it.
18 So at that time, I commanded you concerning everything you were to do.

Waco1947 said:

---

canoso said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
107 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money. 8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need. 9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty. 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do.
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

We need to see where in Scripture people were obligated (read "forced," as through taxation) to do these things. Ready, set, GO!

---

The Deut passage is from the mouth of God. It is a commandment by God, which is "forcing" you unless you don't believe in God's commandment, then take it up with God. Deut. 15: 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. Taxation, or paying out of your pocket, does not matter. Give to the poor by taxation, or your local food pantry, or Habitat for Humanity. God does not care.
It's a silly canard always brought up by Conservative Christians. God says give to the poor whether personally or through taxation. It is simple: "Give to the poor happily."

---

Inasmuch as God created the human race in His image and likeness, thus giving us free will, just as He has free will, He in no way has ever "forced" any human being to do anything. Were He to do so, no human being would be responsible for his/her own sin before Him. On top of that, "You should be happy…" isn't even a command, my friend, unless one has no clue about basic grammar and syntax. Since God loves a cheerful giver, He most certainly does care, and sooner or later every taxpayer, including you and me, is going to be in trouble. Tell us all about how you rejoice when your taxes get raised and in fact offer to pay more than your share. Do it. Now there's a command. Ready, set, GO!

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology and anything you disagree with?

---

FIFY

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

canoso said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

canoso said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
107 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money. 8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need. 9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty. 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do.
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

We need to see where in Scripture people were obligated (read "forced," as through taxation) to do these things. Ready, set, GO!

---

The Deut passage is from the mouth of God. It is a commandment by God, which is "forcing" you unless you don't believe in God's commandment, then take it up with God. Deut. 15: 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. Taxation, or paying out of your pocket, does not matter. Give to the poor by taxation, or your local food pantry, or Habitat for Humanity. God does not care.
It's a silly canard always brought up by Conservative Christians. God says give to the poor whether personally or through taxation. It is simple: "Give to the poor happily."

---

Inasmuch as God created the human race in His image and likeness, thus giving us free will, just as He has free will, He in no way has ever "forced" any human being to do anything. Were He to do so, no human being would be responsible for his/her own sin before Him. On top of that, "You should be happy…" isn't even a command, my friend, unless one has no clue about basic grammar and syntax. Since God loves a cheerful giver, He most certainly does care, and sooner or later every taxpayer, including you and me, is going to be in trouble. Tell us all about how you rejoice when your taxes get raised and in fact offer to pay more than your share. Do it. Now there's a command. Ready, set, GO!

---

Look, I'm not gonna respond to your straw man. We may be free will creatures, but we live in Community and their rules in the community and there are leaders. You have a shortsighted view of being a citizen of a country. I was born in the United States and had no free will decision and arriving in Waco, TX in 1947. Because I was born in the United States. I am a citizen and I pay attention to the laws of the land. I am also a Christian, so I have the laws of God and the laws of humans and I try for ask for policies that reflect my values such as feeding the poor. The government of 340 million people makes it in an economy of scale that local food banks can't live out. I give it to the Houston Food Bank but I also call my congressman and say get snapp back. How are your How are your values reflected in how you vote. Do the reflect your Christian values like feed the poor for them is the Christ.

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

You're actually the only poster whether I do not know if you're an earnest complete ****ing moron or a troll ... you're the only one here without an ounce of irony or sarcasm on one thread claim literally to believe the HB and on the next claim "context" disproves the plain text. If you're just an idiot, then cheers to your stupidity. If you're a troll, cheers to your commitment and naivety that anyone is as stupid as you to believe your bull*****

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

---

The issue is the text not me.

Harrison Bergeron said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

You're actually the only poster whether I do not know if you're an earnest complete ****ing moron or a troll ... you're the only one here without an ounce of irony or sarcasm on one thread claim literally to believe the HB and on the next claim "context" disproves the plain text. If you're just an idiot, then cheers to your stupidity. If you're a troll, cheers to your commitment and naivety that anyone is as stupid as you to believe your bull*****

---

The isssue is not me but the text of which you appear scared to discuss. You focus on me and not God's command to free open your hand to the poor.

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

---

The issue is the text not me.

---

You having a problem with a text is the text's fault. I see. So scripture is no better than any other book for you.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8


For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2nd Thessalonians 3:10

Doc Holliday said:

---

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

---

Now imagine this guy having "infallible" authority over a billion followers.

See the problem with sola ecclesia?

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

---

Now imagine this guy having "infallible" authority over a billion followers.

See the problem with sola ecclesia?

---

It's the same problem between both: who has authority to interpret?
Interpretation is something we can't avoid in any framework.

You either have one pope or individuals become their own popes between RC and Protestantism. Then you have Orthodoxy standing alone practically unchanged since the beginning.

Doc Holliday said:

---

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

---

Now imagine this guy having "infallible" authority over a billion followers.

See the problem with sola ecclesia?

---

It's the same problem between both: who has authority to interpret?
Interpretation is something we can't avoid in any framework.

You either have one pope or individuals become their own popes between RC and Protestantism. Then you have Orthodoxy standing alone practically unchanged since the beginning.

---

There's quite a big difference between the problems. You must have missed the point. You're not bound to Waco47's interpretation. If you're one of the billions under the "infallible" authority of the pope, you ARE bound. Which is going to make the bigger difference?

Orthodoxy may have not changed much, but that isn't necessarily a good thing - it suffers from the same inherent problem as Roman Catholicism: their insistence that they don't need to change, because they are the one true church, never having departed from the original faith. But as I've already shown you, the Orthodox belief in icon veneration and the mariolatry in your Akathist Hymn are absolutely nowhere to be found in Scripture or the early church.

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

---

Now imagine this guy having "infallible" authority over a billion followers.

See the problem with sola ecclesia?

---

It's the same problem between both: who has authority to interpret?
Interpretation is something we can't avoid in any framework.

You either have one pope or individuals become their own popes between RC and Protestantism. Then you have Orthodoxy standing alone practically unchanged since the beginning.

---

There's quite a big difference between the problems. You must have missed the point. You're not bound to Waco47's interpretation. If you're one of the billions under the "infallible" authority of the pope, you ARE bound. Which is going to make the bigger difference?

Orthodoxy may have not changed much, but that isn't necessarily a good thing - it suffers from the same inherent problem as Roman Catholicism: their insistence that they don't need to change, because they are the one true church, never having departed from the original faith. But as I've already shown you, the Orthodox belief in icon veneration and the mariolatry in your Akathist Hymn are absolutely nowhere to be found in Scripture or the early church.

---

You've probably venerated Christians and don't even realize it.

Think about how many Baptists point to C.S. Lewis as an example of a wise and faithful Christian. Pastors quote him all the time or they'll make a book/video about him. That's actually veneration: honoring someone whose life helps us follow Christ. C.S. Lewis isn't Scripture, but his life and writings help many love Christ more. He's respected as someone who followed Jesus sincerely. No one is worshiping him, we simply honor his example.

That's exactly how the Orthodox understand saints. Saints are real people who lived holy lives. They weren't superheroes. They were ordinary Christians who cooperated with God's grace and became living examples of humility, repentance, and faithfulness.

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Scripture literally tells us to look to faithful Christians as examples. That's what saints are. Icons are spiritual portraits with a purpose. They're not made to glorify the saint, but to show what Christ's grace can do in a human life. Same way a book is made for a modern Christian author.

You are still avoiding the implications of the text.

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

---

The issue is the text not me.

---

You having a problem with a text is the text's fault. I see. So scripture is no better than any other book for you.

---

I do not have a problem the text.

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

---

The issue is the text not me.

---

You having a problem with a text is the text's fault. I see. So scripture is no better than any other book for you.

---

I do not have a problem the text.

---

Yet you do with other Old Testament texts.

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

47, don't you dismiss Old Testament theology?

---

No. I believe in the OT that's why I quoted. It. What's your scripture that says ignore the pool. Wrote the psalms throughout. Isaiah wrote any of the profits you discover that God cares about the poor about the marginalized the widow of the orphan and God expects justice in the courts and in our relationships to other.

---

I'm glad you are starting to believe in the Old Testament now. You bucked against its moral lessons in the recent past.

You must no longer accept homosexual behavior as ok as well. Or beastiality, or cross dressing.

---

The issue is the text not me.

---

You having a problem with a text is the text's fault. I see. So scripture is no better than any other book for you.

---

I do not have a problem the text.

---

Lying is a sin, 47.

Waco1947 said:

---

canoso said:

---

Waco1947 said:

---

Another passage the Evangelicals will ignore because they can't justify their judgmental views of poverty.
Deuteronomy 15:7 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money.
8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need.
9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty.
107 After the Lord your God gives land to each of you, there may be poor Israelites in the town where you live. If there are, then don't be mean and selfish with your money. 8 Instead, be kind and lend them what they need. 9 Be careful! Don't say to yourself, "Soon it will be the seventh year, and then I won't be able to get my money back." It would be horrible for you to think that way and to be so selfish that you refuse to help the poor. They are your relatives, and if you don't help them, they may ask the Lord to decide whether you have done wrong. And he will say that you are guilty. 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do.
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them. (The Distribution Part)
11 There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That's why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

---

We need to see where in Scripture people were obligated (read "forced," as through taxation) to do these things. Ready, set, GO!

---

The Deut passage is from the mouth of God. It is a commandment by God, which is "forcing" you unless you don't believe in God's commandment, then take it up with God. Deut. 15: 10 You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. Taxation, or paying out of your pocket, does not matter. Give to the poor by taxation, or your local food pantry, or Habitat for Humanity. God does not care.
It's a silly canard always brought up by Conservative Christians. God says give to the poor whether personally or through taxation. It is simple: "Give to the poor happily."

---

God says give them what they need, it doesnt say give them all your money..

Of course the Bible calls for Christians to care for the poor. It's not even disputable or debatable. It does not change the fact that your eisegesis is typical of the lack of self-awareness.

Doc Holliday said:

---

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

BusyTarpDuster2017 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

See this is the problem with sola scriptura

"Scripture says you must adhere to muh socialism"

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Now imagine this guy having "infallible" authority over a billion followers.

See the problem with sola ecclesia?

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It's the same problem between both: who has authority to interpret?
Interpretation is something we can't avoid in any framework.

You either have one pope or individuals become their own popes between RC and Protestantism. Then you have Orthodoxy standing alone practically unchanged since the beginning.

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There's quite a big difference between the problems. You must have missed the point. You're not bound to Waco47's interpretation. If you're one of the billions under the "infallible" authority of the pope, you ARE bound. Which is going to make the bigger difference?

Orthodoxy may have not changed much, but that isn't necessarily a good thing - it suffers from the same inherent problem as Roman Catholicism: their insistence that they don't need to change, because they are the one true church, never having departed from the original faith. But as I've already shown you, the Orthodox belief in icon veneration and the mariolatry in your Akathist Hymn are absolutely nowhere to be found in Scripture or the early church.

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You've probably venerated Christians and don't even realize it.

Think about how many Baptists point to C.S. Lewis as an example of a wise and faithful Christian. Pastors quote him all the time or they'll make a book/video about him. That's actually veneration: honoring someone whose life helps us follow Christ. C.S. Lewis isn't Scripture, but his life and writings help many love Christ more. He's respected as someone who followed Jesus sincerely. No one is worshiping him, we simply honor his example.

That's exactly how the Orthodox understand saints. Saints are real people who lived holy lives. They weren't superheroes. They were ordinary Christians who cooperated with God's grace and became living examples of humility, repentance, and faithfulness.

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Scripture literally tells us to look to faithful Christians as examples. That's what saints are. Icons are spiritual portraits with a purpose. They're not made to glorify the saint, but to show what Christ's grace can do in a human life. Same way a book is made for a modern Christian author.

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Come on, Doc. No protestant has statues of C.S. Lewis in their church that they bow and pray to. They don't call him "the world's salvation", "gate of salvation", "deliverer from the mire of sin", or that he "saved the world from the flood of sin", and that he "grants salvation to all who chant hymns of praise to [him]" as the Orthodox say about Mary.

It amazes me how much you guys are deceived about this. It's some kind of contagion. You're intelligent, but you seem to be succumbing to defense mechanisms rather than just being honest and seeking the truth.

Here's a newspaper column you'll like, Waco47. It's liberal New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, discovering to his amazement what most of us already knew - conservatives are more charitable and generous than are liberals.

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21kristof.html

If you can't get to the column from that link, it's reprinted here.

https://www.saratogian.com/2008/12/22/kristof-bleeding-heart-tightwads/